Do You Need a BSN?

by Howard Gerber on November 7, 2013

Whether you just graduated from nursing school or have been a nurse for years, you may wonder if you need to earn your bachelor’s in nursing degree. While it is not a requirement to be a nurse, a BSN degree can be beneficial in several ways.

Benefits of a BSN

Earning a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree helps broaden your set of skills and can make you more in demand. You will learn management and leadership skills, both of which will be beneficial in your career as a nurse.

As a registered nurse with a BSN degree, you will almost certainly have more options when it comes to employment. For example, nurses with a BSN degree can work in case management, public health, education and discharge planning. They may also work in settings other than hospitals and nursing homes. Insurance companies, colleges and corporations, may all hire nurses with BSN degrees.

You may love providing direct patient are. After all, that may be why you went into to nursing in the first place. Keep in mind, as the years go by you may want a new challenge. Earning a BSN degree provides you with more skills and qualifications to move into a new area of nursing.

Along with more opportunities, comes more earning potential. Although salaries vary widely based on geographic area, facility and job duties, nurses with a BSN degree may earn more money those who don’t have the degree.

Time Commitment

The time commitment needed to earn your BSN degree varies, but many programs are between one and two years. After you have your associate degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse, you will be eligible to move forward with your BSN degree. Programs may have full-time and part-time options. The amount of time you need to dedicate to school work and studying will vary. Keep your work schedule in mind when deciding between a full-time and part-time program. If you are not in a hurry to earn the BSN degree, part-time program options may be your best bet.

Tips on Getting Your BSN

Earning a BSN degree takes dedication and time management skills. It may not always be easy, but it can be done. Consider some of the following tips:

Look at several schools. There are many schools, which offer BSN programs including public and private universities. Compare costs and program options. Visit the campus if possible: Finding the right program for your situation will increase the likelihood you’ll stick with it.

Find out if tuition reimbursement is offered where you work. Some healthcare facilities offer employees tuitions reimbursement as a benefit. Requirements may vary. For example, you may have to work at the facility a certain number of years after you earn your degree. The human resources department should be able to answer your questions.

Consider online programs. There are many accredited colleges and universities, which offer online BSN degrees. If you are working full-time and juggling family responsibilities, online programs may be a great option.